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MONEY FOR PEER ENGAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

Peer Engagement Programs and Community Coalitions Serve as Resources for
Community-Based Addiction and Recovery Services

Programs Improve Access and Coordination, Remove Barriers and Connect Families
to Addiction and Recovery Support Resources Within Their Communities

Governor Andrew M. Cuomorecently announced $2.65 million to expand and
develop non-traditional addiction treatment support services throughout
the state. The funding will go toward establishing Community Coalitions
and hiring Peer Engagement Programs in each of the state’s 10 economic
development regions, to serve as resources for community-based addiction
and recovery services.

"By connecting individuals and families to community-based resources
and support, these innovative programs will help empower New Yorkers on
their path to recovery,"
Governor Cuomosaid. "With these and other addiction support programs across the state,
we are one step closer to a stronger and healthier New York for all."

The initiative ensures that there are at least two Peer Engagement Specialists
available in each of the State’s 10 regions. Peer Engagement Specialists
are people who are in recovery from a substance use disorder or have loved
one in recovery – or have lost a loved one to addiction. The primary
goal of the Peer Engagement program is to help individuals and families
in crisis navigate the treatment service-delivery system. Peers familiar
with how to access services will be available to meet people in emergency
rooms and crisis centers, to provide emotional support, as well as insights
about the treatment process.

The Community Coalitions will be responsible for coordinating community
resources to help address substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery
efforts that meet localized needs and foster cross-sector collaboration.
These collaborative alliances will cross county lines and represent a
diverse group of stakeholders, including people living in recovery and
their families, educators, faith-based entities, and health and wellness
providers, among others.

"Ongoing peer support, follow-up, and access to a coordinated network
of resources for people with substance use disorder is vital to addressing
addiction,"
New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner
Arlene González-Sánchez said. "The funding for these new programs will help ensure that people
seeking help for their addictions get the appropriate level of care, the
recovery process can begin, improving health and quality of life for the
entire community."

Senator George Amedore, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism
and Substance Abuse, said, "Strong community-based services are critical to help those who are
struggling with addiction and to help keep them on the path to recovery.
This investment builds upon our efforts to ensure access to prevention,
treatment and recovery services in every community throughout the state."

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism
and Drug Abuse, said, "With an administration in Washington, DC. that has relegated the
opioid crisis coursing throughout the country to a mere footnote, it is
up to the states to combat this epidemic. Today's announcement regarding
the awarding of funding allocated in last year's budget to establish
Community Coalitions and to hire Peer Engagement specialists is an important
step in New York State's attempt to grapple with our own heroin and
opioid epidemic."

The funding for the initiatives was made available through a request for
proposals. The following programs were selected to receive funding.

Community Coalitions – $997,873

Capital Region

The Addiction Care Center of Albany, Inc., Albany County - $98,100

Finger Lakes

DePaul Community Services, Inc./ NCADD-RA, Monroe County - $100,000

Central New York

Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Inc., Madison County - $100,000

Mid-Hudson Valley

Student Assistance Services Corporation, Westchester County - $99,773

Mohawk Valley

Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, Herkimer County- $100,000

New York City

Coalition on Behavioral Health, New York County - $100,000

North Country

Seaway Valley Council for Alcohol/Substance Prevention Inc., St. Lawrence County - $100,000

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling,
can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour,
7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting
HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Visit
www.combatheroin.ny.gov for more information on addressing heroin and prescription opioid abuse,
including a Kitchen Table Tool Kit to help start the conversation about
the warning signs of addiction and where to get help. For tools to use
in talking to a young person about preventing alcohol or drug use, visit
the State’s
Talk2Prevent website.